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COLLEGE SIMPLIFIED

Cost of Doing PG in India in 2026: Full Breakdown Every Student Should Know

Cost of doing PG in India 2026 image with icons for tuition, living, and exam costs. Black and red graphics on white.

INTRODUCTION


Whether you’re planning to do a Master’s, MBA, MD/MS or another postgraduate degree in India, understanding the cost of doing PG in India is vital to plan your finances smartly. With rising fees, varying living expenses, and differences between cities and types of institutions, the total investment can differ significantly. In this guide, we break down every element of expenses for PG studies in India in 2026 so you can budget, plan, and apply for loans or scholarships with confidence.

What “Cost of Doing PG in India” Really Means


When we talk about the cost of doing PG in India, we don’t just mean tuition fees. Your entire expenditure will be influenced by the type of program, college or university category, city of study, mode of accommodation, and lifestyle.

At the highest level, PG costs include:

  • Tuition and academic fees

  • Hostel, PG or rental accommodation

  • Food and daily living expenses

  • Travel and transportation

  • Books, supplies, and study materials

  • Examination, registration and miscellaneous charges

We’ll walk through each of these in detail below.


Tuition Fees: What You Can Expect in 2026


Public Universities vs Private Institutions

India’s higher education landscape is broad. Tuition for postgraduate courses varies widely based on university, discipline, and reputation.

Public Government Universities

These tend to be the most affordable option. Fees may range from as low as ₹8,000 to ₹60,000 per academic year for most Master’s programs in arts, science, commerce, and social sciences. MBA programs in some public universities can be slightly higher but usually stay significantly below private counterparts.

Private Colleges and Management Institutes

Fees here vary substantially:

  • MBA/PGDM at leading private institutes: From ₹6–25 lakh for a two-year program. (e.g., some PGDM programs cost around ₹13.7 lakh to ₹23.5 lakh for full course based on institution and category)

  • Specialized technical PG programs: Fees typically range from ₹1.5–3 lakh per year.

Professional Courses (Medical/Dental)PG medical courses (MD/MS) have a wide fee range depending on the college:

  • Government medical colleges: As low as ₹40,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per year for tuition in some cases.

  • Private or self-financing colleges: From ₹5 lakh up to ₹20 lakh or more per year.

In some cases, new government colleges set very low fees (e.g., ₹9,000 per year for certain government PG medical seats) to increase accessibility.

At the top end, private medical colleges in some states reported annual charges reaching over ₹55 lakh for clinical postgraduate courses.


Accommodation Costs: Hostel, PG and Rental Options


Once tuition is sorted, accommodation is usually the next biggest budget item.


On-Campus Hostels

Many universities offer hostels for PG students at subsidised rates. Typical hostel fees range:

  • ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per month (cheaper in smaller cities or government hostels)

  • Charges often include water and basic amenities, but mess (food) charges may be extra.


Off-Campus Paying Guest (PG) or Rental Rooms

Living in a PG or rented room can be convenient but pricier:

  • Shared PG rooms: ₹6,000 to ₹18,000 per month

  • Single PG rooms: ₹12,000 to ₹30,000 per month depending on city and facilities

  • Metro cities like Mumbai or Delhi usually command higher rents than tier-2 cities.

Students in larger metros sometimes choose to share apartments to cut costs. The variation is wide, so it helps to scout student forums and local rental listings before deciding.


Monthly Living Expenses: Beyond Tuition and Rent

Apart from tuition and accommodation, daily living costs form a significant portion of the cost of doing PG in India. Typical monthly estimates include:

Expense Category
Approximate Monthly Cost

Food & groceries

₹3,000 – ₹10,000

Transportation

₹500 – ₹3,000

Utilities & internet

₹1,000 – ₹5,000

Books and study materials

₹500 – ₹3,000

Miscellaneous (health, entertainment)

₹1,000 – ₹5,000

Overall, most students spend somewhere between ₹15,000 and ₹35,000 per month on living costs depending on city, lifestyle, and accommodation choices.

Other Academic and Miscellaneous Costs


In addition to the major buckets, there are smaller but important expenses:


Exams and Registration Fees

Universities charge thesis submission fees, semester exam fees and registration costs. These can be ₹5,000 – ₹25,000 per year on average.


Books, Supplies and Internet

Depending on your course, these can add ₹10,000–₹50,000 annually.


Deposits

Many colleges ask for refundable caution deposits for hostel rooms and labs.

These costs vary widely, but they should be factored into your overall budget estimate.


Cost Scenarios: What Your Total Budget Might Look Like


Here are a few typical total cost scenarios for postgraduate studies in India in 2026:


Scenario 1: Master’s in Arts/Science at Public University

  • Tuition fees: ₹30,000 per year

  • Accommodation (hostel or PG): ₹7,000/month

  • Living costs: ₹20,000/month

Estimated total (2 years): ~₹4–6 lakh


Scenario 2: MBA/PGDM in a Private Institute

  • Tuition fees: ₹12–24 lakh total

  • Accommodation: ₹10,000–₹18,000/month

  • Living costs: ₹25,000/month

Estimated total (2 years): ~₹20–30 lakh


Scenario 3: MD/MS in Private Medical College

  • Tuition fees: ₹15–60 lakh total

  • Accommodation and living: ₹25,000–₹40,000/month

Estimated total (3 years): ~₹25–85 lakh depending on college and lifestyle

These are estimates, but they reflect the real variation students face. Planning early and researching fees at your target college’s official prospectus is always best.


Scholarships, Subsidies and Financial Assistance


Most public universities and some private colleges offer scholarships based on merit or financial need. In addition:

  • Government scholarship schemes often support economically weaker students.

  • Some institutes provide tuition fee waivers under TFW or other category quotas.

  • Medical PG candidates in government colleges often receive stipends. This can range from ₹25,000 – ₹80,000+ per month depending on institution and state policies.

Applying for scholarships early and combining them with education loans can significantly reduce the net cost of doing PG in India.


Regional Differences in Costs


Not all cities cost the same. Living and study expenses in metros like Mumbai and Delhi are typically higher than in tier-2 cities like Jaipur, Pune or Lucknow. However, even within metros, student areas with shared accommodation can help keep costs reasonable.

Accommodation trends show shared PG rooms in major cities cost between ₹7,000 and ₹18,000 per month, while single rooms may go up to ₹30,000/month.


Planning for Unexpected Costs


A smart budget does not stick to averages alone. You should plan for:

  • Travel home during breaks

  • Health emergencies or insurance

  • Laptop and gadgets upgrades

  • Conferences, workshops and extra projects

Setting aside a contingency fund equal to 5–10% of your estimated annual expenses can give peace of mind.


FAQ


Q1. What components make up the cost of doing PG in India?

A1. The cost includes tuition fees, accommodation, food and daily living expenses, transportation, books and materials, exam and registration fees, and miscellaneous costs like deposits or emergency funds.


Q2. How much does PG tuition usually cost in India?

A2. Tuition fees vary widely: from ₹8,000–₹60,000 yearly at public universities to ₹10–25 lakh total for MBA/PGDM programs and ₹5–60+ lakh total for medical PG in private colleges depending on category.


Q3. Is living cost high for PG students in cities like Mumbai or Delhi?

A3. Yes, living costs including rent and daily expenses are higher in big metros than in smaller cities, with shared PG accommodation often ranging from ₹7,000–₹18,000 per month.


Q4. Can financial aid reduce the cost of doing PG in India?

A4. Yes. Many students get scholarships or tuition waivers based on merit or economic criteria. Government stipends for medical PG students also help offset living costs.

Quick Tips to Reduce Your Cost of Doing PG in India


  • Compare fees across colleges before finalizing your admission.

  • Consider hostels or shared PGs near campus to lower housing costs.

  • Apply for scholarships and fee waivers early.

  • Plan your budget with a monthly tracker to avoid unexpected overspend.


CTA: Official Resources and Links


Here are official links to help you check fees, apply, and plan your finances for PG studies in India:

Government and University Portals

Popular PG Admission Portals

Education Cost and Scholarship Info

  • National Scholarship Portal – https://scholarships.gov.in

  • State education department portals (check your state’s official site for resident benefits)

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